Which Enlightenment idea is most associated with Montesquieu and the structure of modern governments?

• A. The divine right of kings.
• B. A centralized bureaucratic state without checks on power.
• C. Direct democracy with universal suffrage.
• D. The separation of powers into distinct branches to prevent tyranny.

Answer: (C)

Montesquieu argued that political power should be divided among separate branches so that no one part of government can dominate. He believed each branch—legislative, executive, and judicial—should have distinct responsibilities and the means to check the others, creating a system of checks and balances that protects liberty. This structure underpins many modern constitutions, where laws are made, enforced, and interpreted by different institutions in a way that prevents tyranny. Direct democracy with universal suffrage, while a legitimate form of participation, does not reflect his emphasis on dividing power and creating restraints across branches. Divine right and an unchecked centralized bureaucracy stand in opposition to his idea, which centers on limiting power through separation.